I'll be reviewing the ideas on Saturday, and the chapter will remain available in case anyone wishes to share suggestions. I truly appreciate the engagement.
I'm reading all the comments, but I've chosen not to reply directly so as not to influence your interpretations and perspectives.
-
-
-
William led Wylla Manderly to the center of the dance floor. The music intensified. Wylla was a vision of elegance. Her blond hair and clear eyes, with a gaze that seemed to see beyond the hall, contrasted with the cream-colored dress that swirled around her.
William, in his dark House tunic, moved with a functional grace, the strength of his body translating into an imposing presence on the floor.
They moved in sync with the duet of flutes and lyres. William's hand was at her waist, the other holding hers. Wylla's dress swirled as he spun her, revealing the elegance of her movements. Their eyes met with each turn, and her smile remained.
Wylla leaned in, her voice low to be heard over the music. "It seems to me that Mr. Corvinus possesses a remarkable skill, one that goes beyond the art of dance."
William spun her again. "And dance, Miss Wylla, is not merely an art, but a valuable lesson. To prosper in any endeavor, one must learn to harmonize one's steps with the rhythm of a constantly changing world."
"Then tell me, Mr. Corvinus," she asked, a hint of challenge in her voice. "What makes a good pair? The gentleman who leads with vigor, or the lady who follows with grace?"
"The ideal pair, I believe, is one that knows when to follow, allowing the other party to show their worth. And that dares to lead when the occasion demands it. What do you say, Miss Wylla? Will my lady be a reliable partner?"
Wylla smiled. "Perhaps, Mr. Corvinus. Perhaps I will be. But only if the leader proves to be worthy of the trust placed in him."
He spun her, pulling away for a moment. His eyes moved around the hall, observing the movement of the lords and ladies. Robb and Jon were already on the floor, laughing with the daughters of Lord Umber and Lord Karstark.
As the music continued, he looked at Wylla. "The port of White Harbor is known for its importance, and your house for its cunning. You would be the most suitable person to judge the solidity of a proposal."
She looked at him, the surprise on her face quickly disappearing. "My grandfather is a man of great perception in such matters. He knows how to distinguish an empty promise from a promising venture."
"And I only hope he sees, in my offer, the promise of a future advantageous to both parties," William said, with a firm and confident tone.
The dance slowed down, the music becoming more leisurely. William bowed his head, signaling a close. "It is an honor to dance with Miss Manderly."
He led her to the edge of the floor. "Mr. Corvinus has my word that I await you with great interest tomorrow. May business be as pleasant as the dance," she said, before moving away to join the other ladies.
William moved through the hall thoughtfully.
I was hoping to have fun... who would have thought I'd be pressured by Wylla... Well, at least it seems that the Manderlys' interest is real, not just empty words for their Lord's nephew.
But it surprises me to realize that Wylla Manderly seems to have a hand in such matters...
William was about to move toward his table when he noticed Jeyne Poole near one of the pillars. Her eyes were fixed on the dance floor, and she seemed visibly troubled. He considered ignoring her, but his conscience won out.
He approached. "Jeyne, why are you so isolated?" he asked with a soft voice.
She turned, startled, and her eyes filled with relief at seeing him. "I... I was just watching," she replied, her voice weak.
"I don't think a gentleman should allow such a beautiful lady to feel bored," William said, offering his hand with a slightly exaggerated formality.
A smile shone on her face. "It would be an honor, Mr. Corvinus," she replied.
They danced for a brief moment, but William maintained a respectful distance. The conversation was light and courteous, and he complimented her discreetly, just enough to keep her smiling. Jeyne seemed to be in ecstasy, the seriousness on her face disappearing.
When the music ended, William bowed. "It was a pleasure, Miss Poole. Now, if you will excuse me, there are matters that require my attention."
He excused himself with a smile and a nod, and before Jeyne could protest, he had already moved away, heading toward the table. The satisfaction on his face was evident.
In another corner, a group of men dressed in the Manderly House sigil were standing. They spoke in low tones and gestured, their attention focused on William. He approached.
One of the men, with a dark beard and short hair, bowed. "Young Lord, it is an honor to meet you. My name is Sir Harlon and I am the captain of the White Harbor Guard. Lord Wyman has tasked us with being your eyes and ears in the city."
William nodded. "It's good to know we have trusted men. Tomorrow, we will have a meeting to discuss the details of our future partnership. I hope you can attend."
Sir Harlon smiled. "We will be there, young Lord." He bowed again and returned to the group.
William moved to the food tables. He grabbed a piece of meat and a glass of wine. The murmurs of the guests around him intensified. He heard mentions of his name and his wealth, and the term "merchant-wolf" was whispered on more than one occasion. He ignored it.
Robb approached, followed by Jon. Both had a smile on their faces. "Did you have fun with the ladies? It doesn't seem so..."
William arched an eyebrow. "Well, I was caught by surprise in a moment of leisure... but it was good. I ended up gaining insight into where to apply pressure to get a good deal."
"You don't waste any time, do you? I thought you were just running away from my questions." Robb said, with a tone of surprise.
"Time is money," William replied, drinking the wine. "Besides, dancing is a great way to get closer to business partners. And, surprisingly, it's good for better understanding how things work elsewhere."
Jon looked at him, and a smile appeared on his face. "They called you a merchant-wolf."
William shrugged. "Better than what they used to call me. Let's have fun. The night is not over yet."
William walks and then turns and laughs. "Good job, Jon! I saw you brought our young Lord into the good graces of the young ladies."
Jon gave a thumbs-up.
Robb squirmed. "Oh, stop it... I... it's fine, it was good, it was..."
Jon laughed. "Our little Lord was eager for contact..."
William laughed. "Tell me more."
Robb looked at Jon with a simulated expression of betrayal. "How could you? You were the one who gave me the idea..."
Jon continued. "When Alys Karstark latched onto him, I almost had to intervene. It seemed that they..."
The conversation was interrupted by an unexpected presence. Lord Cerwyn, a man with severe features and dark hair, approached. His gaze was direct, and there was no trace of a smile on his face. He addressed William, ignoring Robb and Jon.
"Young Lord Corvinus," Lord Cerwyn said, his voice polished, but with a sharp subtext. "I cannot help but notice the movement of your company in Winter Town. Rumors of men joining without an oath, without a sigil."
He paused, his eyes fixed on William's. "In times like these, honor is the pillar that sustains the North. What leads a nephew of Eddard Stark to seek the company of men without honor and without duty?"
William maintained his composure, the tension in the air almost palpable. "I can guarantee that these actions foresee nothing, Lord Cerwyn. They are men I have recruited for my company, to protect our trade routes. A hand that shines needs a strong hand to protect it. And I would rather have men from the North than sellswords from other lands."
Lord Cerwyn nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on William's. "An honest answer, Young Lord. But a private army, even with the noblest of motives, can be a seed of disorder. The men of the North swear loyalty to a Lord, not to a coin. A man who knows how to defend himself is a wise man. But a man who knows how to avoid being misunderstood is wiser still."
He gave a dry smile that did not reach his eyes. "Enjoy the feast, Young Corvinus."
Lord Cerwyn turned and walked away. Robb and Jon, who had observed the interaction in silence, approached William.
"What was that?" Robb asked, his voice low.
"Nothing," William replied, but the concern in his eyes was evident. He knew that the dispute with Lord Cerwyn was just beginning. He knew that his actions would be justified, but that he would have to prove it to others.
Just a man who came to remind me that I am not a Stark...
He walked to his room. He threw his tunic on the bed, took off his boots and leather pants. The fireplaces in the room could barely warm the environment. The large glass window was not very good at containing the cold from outside.
He sat by the fire and covered himself with a bear skin. The fatigue weighed on his shoulders. The night had been full of interactions and information, and he needed to process everything.
The howl of the direwolf still echoed in his mind. He knew that destiny was unfolding and that time was running out. He remembered Ned's expression, his concern.
'A howl of mourning and pain. Maybe a call for me too. Will I be a lone wolf, without a pack...?'
He looked at the fire. The flames danced, reflecting in his eyes. He thought of Wylla, Lord Manderly's granddaughter. She was sharp, direct, no-nonsense. And he appreciated that. He also thought of Jeyne Poole, of her sweetness and vulnerability. He felt a pang of pity.
He lay on the bed, the fire warming him.
He closed his eyes. The dance, the smiles, the words, the promises, the howl... everything swirled in his mind, until fatigue overcame him.